Times of India: Nagpur: Monday,
January 16, 2017.
The Pench
Tiger Reserve is trying to duck information about tourists data from
Umred-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary (UKWS). The information was sought by
city-based RTI activist Avinash Prabhune.
On December
19, TOI had highlighted how Pench public information officer (PIO) GS Hingne
spent Rs40 towards postal charges for supplying information worth Rs6. This led
the Pench officials fuming and they, instead of providing information, routed
Prabhune's application to three ranges Paoni, Karhandla and Gothangaon ranges
of UKWS.
"This was
ostensibly done to evade information. Pench receives tourism data every month
from all the sanctuaries under it," alleged Prabhune.
On November
10, Prabhune had filed RTI application with PTR regarding information about
number of visitors to UKWS. The details pertained from October 17, 2015 to
November 15, 2015 and from October 1, 2016 to November 7, 2016 along with few
other queries.
Prabhune says
the present matter demonstrates lack of administrative and monitoring control
of the field director's office. The information against RTI application of
November 10, 2016 has been delayed due to improper handling of RTI by forest
officials. As per the Act, information should have been supplied in one month.
However, PIO
with field director's office informed that details will be provided by PIOS of
Umred, Kuhi and Paoni RFOs, and the officials concerned have been informed
about it on November 21, 2016.
Prabhune said
over two months have passed but none of the officials has provided any
information.
The PTR
seemed to be blatantly violating RTI Act by asking field officials to provide
information. It is surprising as earlier similar information about Tadoba
Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) was supplied by TATR field director from his
officer in Chandrapur.
"It is
surprising how two field directors can act differently if rules are same,"
said Prabhune.
PIO of Pench
could have easily provided information, but it seems to be a deliberate act.
All provisions of RTI Act are with sole object to expedite information within
stipulated period and it is felt that officials are not expected to use it to
cause delay.
Prabhune has
urged field director to initiate action against defaulting officials because
beyond 30 days period, RTI applicant is entitled to get information free of
cost as per Section 7(6) of RTI Act. "I will have to spend my time and
money pursuing first appeal in the matter," he added.